A Snappy Recipe for Homemade Dill Pickles
Homemade Dill Pickles Infused with Garlic Flavor
Got a hankering for some zesty dill pickles? You're in luck, 'cause making 'em at home is a breeze! This is a simple guide to whip up a batch of mouthwatering pickles that'll spice up your sandwiches or burger joints, not to mention your road trips.
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- Yield: 2 pounds
- Difficulty: Easy peasy
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes, with pickling time
- Active Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients (8)
- 2 pounds pickling cucumbers, such as Kirby (or use about 1 medium-to-large cucumber for a smaller batch)
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
- ¼ cup kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons sliced garlic
- 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill weed if that's all you've got)
- 1 tablespoon brown or yellow mustard seeds (or sub with other seeds for a twist)
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Pop those cucumbers in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or you can even let 'em chill overnight if you've got the time.
- In a medium nonreactive saucepan, combine the water, vinegar, and salt. Heat it over medium-high heat and stir occasionally until the salt has dissolved (keep an eye on it for about 3 to 5 minutes). Then, take it off the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- Gather your chilled cucumbers in a large bowl. Add the garlic, dill, mustard seeds, and bay leaf. Give the cooled water-vinegar mixture a pour and let it drench those cucumbers. Place a plate or weight on top to make sure they're submerged. Cover it all up tightly with plastic wrap and let the bowl stand at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. Finally, stash your pickles in a tightly covered jar and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Pro Tips
- Salting: Use pickling salt or kosher salt; table salt might be too harsh.
- Pickled Lemons: Swap out the cucumbers with lemons for a tangy twist.
- Customized Flavorings: Add spices like coriander, turmeric, or chili flakes to customize your pickles.
- Sweetened Pickles: If you've got a sweet tooth, add 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons of sugar or maple syrup to the brine for a touch of sweetness.
The Bottom Line
Making your own pickles is a fun and rewarding project that'll make your taste buds dance with joy. Give it a shot, and don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients or seasonings to create pickles that truly tickle your fancy! Now, go on and show those store-bought pickles who's boss!
- The pickling process of this recipe categorizes it under the category of 'uncategorized' nutrition and recipes.
- This homemade dill pickles recipe, with its instructions for pickles, garlic, dill, mustard seeds, and bay leaf, falls under the 'recipes' section.
- Upon completion, these pickles will be stored under the 'pickles' section in a tightly covered jar, according to the 'instructions' provided.
- To ensure the best temperature for this pickling process, it's recommended to let the cooled water-vinegar mixture rest at room temperature before adding it to the cucumbers, as dictated in the 'temperature' suggestion.
